In an effort to curb rampant opioid abuse and addiction, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is imposing stricter regulatory sanctions on hydrocodone, the most frequently prescribed painkiller in the United States.

“Almost 7 million Americans abuse controlled-substance prescription medications, including opioid painkillers, resulting in more deaths from prescription drug overdoses than auto accidents,” said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart in a statement released Thursday. “Today’s action recognizes that these products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available.”